that was a watershed moment to put gay rights and making it this generation's civil rights issue. it was a profound moment for sure. and our inaugural coverage continues later this half hour with an inside look at some of the gala celebrations last night and our inaugural coverage will continue this morning on "america this morning" and on "gma." so keep it right here on abc news. >>> in other headlines, the first of several u.s. air force flights have arrived in the african nation of mali. the american planes are carrying french troops, equipment and vehicles, as well. france is battling islamic militants that have taken over the northern part of the country. u.s. officials worry that the mali area is becoming the staging area for terror strikes in africa. >>> outgoing defense secretary leon panetta said the attack against foreigners shows that al qaeda is committed to creating terror. three americans died during that siege. here's abc's brian ross. >> reporter: it was four days of terror. seen in these first videos from inside, recorded by one of the hostages and broadcast by al